Good afternoon and welcome along to URC Final day.
It’s Leinster v Bulls at GAA headquarters in Croke Park as Leo Cullen’s men hope to win the URC final for the first time, having previously won the Pro14 in 2021. Leinster have suffered a late setback following the loss of Jamison Gibson-Park to injury, bringing Luke McGrath in at scrum-half.
We’ll have team line-ups for you in the next few moments as we close in on the 5pm kick-off.
14 Jun
4:04PM
LEINSTER: Jimmy O’Brien; Tommy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Jordie Barrett, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Luke McGrath; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Thomas Clarkson; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan (captain).
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Jack Boyle, Rabah Slimani, RG Snyman, Max Deegan, Luke McGrath, Ross Byrne, Jamie Osborne.
BULLS: Willie le Roux; Canan Moodie, David Kriel, Harold Vorster, Sebastian de Klerk; Johan Goosen, Embrose Papier; Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Johan Grobbelaar, Wilco Louw; Cobus Wiese, JF van Heerden; Marco van Staden, Ruan Nortje (captain), Marcell Coetzee.
Replacements: Akker van der Merwe, Alulutho Tshakweni, Mornay Smith, Jannes Kirsten, Nizaam Carr, Zak Burger, Keagan Johannes, Devon Williams
14 Jun
4:45PM
Not long to go now. Before kick-off, here’s some important pre-match reading:
Conditions are misty in Croke Park as Dan Sheehan gets the towel out before throwing the ball in for a Leinster line-out. They catch it cleanly and start working through the phases.
14 Jun
5:04PM
3 mins: Leinster 0-0 Bulls
The ball is like soap in this weather as Leinster win a scrum following a knock-on. Luke McGrath attempts to put the ball in but the referee is unhappy and calls for a reset.
The second go is more successful and Leinster win a penalty.
14 Jun
5:07PM
4 mins: Leinster 0-0 Bulls
A brilliant Leinster lineout sees them carry the ball brilliantly through Bulls territory. Another penalty is awarded to Leinster for Bulls not rolling away and Sam Prendergast kicks for the corner.
They showed their intent and boy did Leinster go for it there. Dan Sheehan started it from the lineout and got in quickly to make the first big gain, creating the space for Conan to plunder over and put Leinster on the board.
Prendergast nails his first conversion attempt and they are motoring.
14 Jun
5:13PM
10 mins: Leinster 7-0 Bulls
The referee calls a halt to the play, and lays down the law with the players after some fisty cuffs. But now he’s consulting with the TMO for a challenge on Joe McCarthy on the ground. It looks like Harold Vorster put his hand in McCarthy’s mouth, based on the replays.
14 Jun
5:14PM
10 mins: Leinster 7-0 Bulls
The referee is satisfied that it’s nothing more than a penalty. He could be considered fortunate not to be penalised fourther there.
Prendergast boots the ball out for a Leinster lineout as the rain continues to pour down.
14 Jun
5:16PM
12 mins: Leinster 7-0 Bulls
Another clean lineout for Leinster. McGrath pops up box kick, and the ball pops out loose before Leinster recover possession. McGrath feeds Jordie Barrett who tries a looping pass out to Tommy O’Brien but it’s ruled out as a forward pass.
And what a try from Barrett. It came from a McGrath dink over the top which Barrett met with his boot to put himself clean through. He had Tommy O’Brien for company as the Bulls defence was carved open.
Barrett slid through for the final touch. Superb stuff from Leinster.
14 Jun
5:21PM
17 mins: Leinster 14-0 Bulls
Barrett went in under the posts to give Prendergast the easy tap-over for his second conversion.
14 Jun
5:23PM
17 mins: Leinster 14-0 Bulls
Leinster have another lineout which sticks perfectly. They don’t get far with the maul but they still have possession.
Prendergast tries a clever kick over the top but the Bulls win it back but a moment of absolute madness sees Willie le Roux kick the ball straight into James Lowe’s hands. Only for he dropped it on the ground, Leinster could have been in for try number three there.
14 Jun
5:26PM
21 mins: Leinster 14-0 Bulls
Bulls win a penalty from a scrum and find touch. They win their lineout and send in a box kick which bounces backwards off Lowe.
The clearance comes down to Le Roux who in turn sends it back to Prendergast. Lowe then tries a kick and the return kick lands into the arms of Jimmy O’Brien.
14 Jun
5:28PM
21 mins: Leinster 14-0 Bulls
Brilliant break from Leinster. Fast hands and fast passes sees the ball pop from Tommy O’Brien to Sheehan who sprints down the wing.
Now Leinster have a lineout on the five-metre line.
Again, Leinster score from the set-piece, but this time, it’s Josh van der Flier who breaks through off the back of the maul. Prendergast misses the conversion but Leinster are looking utterly dominant so far.
14 Jun
5:35PM
29 mins: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
Lowe tries to take the ball in the air from a Bulls box-kick but the ball slips out of his hand.
Things get worse for the Bulls as their lineout throw from Johan Grobbelaar is not straight and Leinster will put in for the scrum.
14 Jun
5:36PM
29 mins: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
Prendergast hangs a kick in the air for Lowe to chase but it doesn’t come off. The ball comes back to Prendergast again and some kicking back and forth follows.
Le Roux puts Jimmy O’Brien under a bit of pressure and he’s forced to kick it out on the full. The Bulls will try to build again here.
14 Jun
5:38PM
32 mins: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
Leinster are back on their own try-line. Bulls are knocking at the door and now they have a penalty.
14 Jun
5:40PM
33 mins: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
Great defensive work from Leinster but the Bulls still have the ball and will put in for a scrum. This is their first real attack of the game so they need something here.
14 Jun
5:41PM
35 mins: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
Leinster have pushed them back but they’re still around the ’22. Bulls continue to roll out the passes as Van der Flier tries to turn the ball over.
14 Jun
5:43PM
36 mins: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
Le Roux tries to create something from a crossfield kick but Prendergast is well positioned and takes the mark. Leinster appear to have weathered that storm.
Meanwhile, Bulls are forced to make a change. Cobus Wiese goes off for a HIA and is replaced by Jannes Kirsten.
14 Jun
5:46PM
39 mins: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
Bulls win their own lineout, and a penalty follows for the South African side which Johan Goosen kicks to the corner. Can they sneak a score before the break?
14 Jun
5:47PM
39 mins: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
Brilliant pressure from Leinster to push them back. Joe McCarthy was particularly effective there. But Leinster aren’t out of danger yet. Bulls still have the ball and are still clocking up the phases.
14 Jun
5:48PM
40 mins: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
After 15 phases, the Bulls are caught for a forward pass from Le Roux.
Commanding first-half performance from Leinster. Three brilliantly taken tries puts them in the driving seat, with Jack Conan, Jordie Barrett and Josh van der Flier all providing the scores. Prendergast has kicked two of those three conversions successfully and their all-round play is simply superior to the Bulls.
Leo Cullen’s men had to withstand two big attacks there in the closing minutes and held firm to keep the opposition scoreless at the break.
Good take from Lowe and the teams engage in some more kicking over and back. Bulls try to build and Barrett puts in a brilliant tackle on Goosen to take the steam out of it.
Leinster change: James Ryan is off for RG Snyman. Ryan looked a bit laboured there so it’s most likely for an injury.
14 Jun
6:09PM
44 mins: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
The referee is unhappy with the scrum set-up again and calls the players in to give them a talk. The reset is sloppy but the ball is released and Leinster burst forward. They win a free and Prendergast puts the ball on the tee. He’s going for the posts.
His kick is straight and true, and Leinster extend their advantage.
Bulls change: Akker van der Merwe is on for Grobbelaar at hooker.
14 Jun
6:13PM
45 mins: Leinster 22-0 Bulls
Jimmy O’Brien claims the ball well in the air. McCarthy then releases Barrett before Prendergast links up with Van der Flier. Nice footwork from Prendergast who pops the ball to Barrett but his kick over the top doesn’t go as he planned.
Meanwhile, Tommy O’Brien looks to be in some distress as he receives treatment for what looks like a hand or possibly arm injury.
14 Jun
6:14PM
47 mins: Leinster 22-0 Bulls
O’Brien is back up and Bulls have a scrum.
14 Jun
6:15PM
48 mins: Leinster 22-0 Bulls
Andrew Porter is penalised and Bulls have a penalty. Understandably, they go for the corner.
14 Jun
6:16PM
49 mins: Leinster 22-0 Bulls
No way through as Leinster push them back. But the referee is coming back for another penalty so they will have another go from the corner.
TRY! Leinster 22-7 Bulls (Akker van der Merwe ’50)
14 Jun
6:19PM
52 mins: Leinster 22-7 Bulls
The Bulls have arrived.
They have knocking on the door for a long time, and they’ve finally broken through. Another clean lineout and it’s replacement hooker Akker van der Merwe who throws himself over the line to get the Bulls move.
Goosen’s conversion is good and now we have a game on again.
14 Jun
6:21PM
54 mins: Leinster 22-7 Bulls
Bulls win a penalty and the momentum appears to have shifted.
14 Jun
6:24PM
55 mins: Leinster 22-7 Bulls
Leinster force a knock-on thanks to some brilliant work from Thomas Clarkson. That gives them a chance to kill that Bulls’ purple patch.
Leinster changes: Sheehan and Clarkson replaced by Ronán Kelleher and Rabah Slimani.
14 Jun
6:25PM
57 mins: Leinster 22-7 Bulls
Snyman with a super step to create a Leinster attack. Lowe tried a grubber kick for Van der Flier to go after but there’s too much sauce on it as he is thrown out over the line while kicking the ball.
14 Jun
6:26PM
58 mins: Leinster 22-7 Bulls
Leinster win a Bulls scrum!
Porter and co let out a guttural roar as Leinster turn the ball over and now they have a lineout. Can they turn the screw again?
14 Jun
6:27PM
59 mins: Leinster 22-7 Bulls
They’re right at the cushion of the post! Try number four is inches away.
14 Jun
6:28PM
59 mins: Leinster 22-7 Bulls
Snyman drops the ball just as he was about to lunch over. But the referee calls play back for a Leinster penalty. Kelleher to tap and go here.
14 Jun
6:29PM
60 mins: Leinster 22-7 Bulls
Kelleher retreats and lets Van der Flier take and they fail to make anything of it as Bulls win the ball back.
14 Jun
6:30PM
62 mins: Leinster 22-7 Bulls
Great commitment from Jimmy O’Brien. He slid across to gather a loose ball and reclaim possession for Leinster. They work a few pop passes but they commit another knock-on. Referee brings play back for another Leinster penalty and Prendergast wants to go for the posts again.
14 Jun
6:31PM
63 mins: Leinster 22-7 Bulls
MISS!
Prendergast pulls his kick wide and that’s one Leinster definitely needed just to push their noses out a bit more. That was well within his range, albeit from a slightly difficult angle for a right-footed kicker.
14 Jun
6:37PM
66 mins: Leinster 22-7 Bulls
Great catch from Tommy O’Brien!
He did well to claim that off balance as play stops for Sebastian de Klerk who has suffered a knee injury and it looks like he will be replaced by Devon Williams.
It’s these little moments that will keep Leinster on course and finish out the final quarter.
14 Jun
6:38PM
68 mins: Leinster 25-7 Bulls
LEINSTER PENALTY!
Prendergast makes no mistake this for a kick in front of the posts after Bulls were penalised for a no arms tackle.
Leinster changes: McGrath and Prendergast are off for Fintan Gunne and Ross Byrne.
14 Jun
6:42PM
71 mins: Leinster 25-7 Bulls
It’s just not Bulls’ day.
Le Roux knocks the ball on from a simple pass, and he drills the ball away in frustration. It hasn’t been a great day for him. Some unforced errors that just sum up their performance.
After only being named on the bench today, he did brilliantly to carry the ball at speed and crawl his way over after shipping a tackle on the line. Ross Byrne adds the extras and this is now firmly a procession to the finish line.
Bulls had their purple patch in the second half and there was a sniff of a comeback in the air, but Leinster’s three first-half tries set the ground work in place for that convincing victory.
Jack Conan got them off the mark. Jordie Barrett added their second after a gorgeous piece of play to create the try for himself and Josh van der Flier put Leinster in a commanding position with another set-piece effort.
But what about Fintan Gunne? Added to the bench today after the injury to Jamison Gibson-Park and made a superb introduction with that blistering run to put himself through for Leinster’s fourth and final try of the day.
14 Jun
6:59PM
Leinster 32-7 Bulls
Well, that’s all from us, folks. Thanks very much for being with us for today’s coverage. And since you’re here, have a read of Murray Kinsella’s match report live from Croke Park here.
We hope to have you with us again soon. For now, goodbye!
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As it happened: Leinster v Bulls, URC Final
Good afternoon and welcome along to URC Final day.
It’s Leinster v Bulls at GAA headquarters in Croke Park as Leo Cullen’s men hope to win the URC final for the first time, having previously won the Pro14 in 2021. Leinster have suffered a late setback following the loss of Jamison Gibson-Park to injury, bringing Luke McGrath in at scrum-half.
We’ll have team line-ups for you in the next few moments as we close in on the 5pm kick-off.
LEINSTER: Jimmy O’Brien; Tommy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Jordie Barrett, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Luke McGrath; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Thomas Clarkson; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan (captain).
Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Jack Boyle, Rabah Slimani, RG Snyman, Max Deegan, Luke McGrath, Ross Byrne, Jamie Osborne.
BULLS: Willie le Roux; Canan Moodie, David Kriel, Harold Vorster, Sebastian de Klerk; Johan Goosen, Embrose Papier; Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Johan Grobbelaar, Wilco Louw; Cobus Wiese, JF van Heerden; Marco van Staden, Ruan Nortje (captain), Marcell Coetzee.
Replacements: Akker van der Merwe, Alulutho Tshakweni, Mornay Smith, Jannes Kirsten, Nizaam Carr, Zak Burger, Keagan Johannes, Devon Williams
Not long to go now. Before kick-off, here’s some important pre-match reading:
Bulls bid to test Leinster’s composure in exciting URC final
‘I loved putting on the Leinster jersey every single time’
The late loss of Jamison Gibson-Park could be huge for Leinster. Do you think they can still win?
Poll Results:
The teams are coming out of the tunnel now. It’s almost time for lift off in Croke Park.
Kick-Off! Leinster v Bulls
1 min: Leinster 0-0 Bulls
Conditions are misty in Croke Park as Dan Sheehan gets the towel out before throwing the ball in for a Leinster line-out. They catch it cleanly and start working through the phases.
3 mins: Leinster 0-0 Bulls
The ball is like soap in this weather as Leinster win a scrum following a knock-on. Luke McGrath attempts to put the ball in but the referee is unhappy and calls for a reset.
The second go is more successful and Leinster win a penalty.
4 mins: Leinster 0-0 Bulls
A brilliant Leinster lineout sees them carry the ball brilliantly through Bulls territory. Another penalty is awarded to Leinster for Bulls not rolling away and Sam Prendergast kicks for the corner.
They’re going for it early.
TRY! Leinster 7-0 Bulls (Jack Conan ’6)
8 mins: Leinster 7-0 Bulls
They showed their intent and boy did Leinster go for it there. Dan Sheehan started it from the lineout and got in quickly to make the first big gain, creating the space for Conan to plunder over and put Leinster on the board.
Prendergast nails his first conversion attempt and they are motoring.
10 mins: Leinster 7-0 Bulls
The referee calls a halt to the play, and lays down the law with the players after some fisty cuffs. But now he’s consulting with the TMO for a challenge on Joe McCarthy on the ground. It looks like Harold Vorster put his hand in McCarthy’s mouth, based on the replays.
10 mins: Leinster 7-0 Bulls
The referee is satisfied that it’s nothing more than a penalty. He could be considered fortunate not to be penalised fourther there.
Prendergast boots the ball out for a Leinster lineout as the rain continues to pour down.
12 mins: Leinster 7-0 Bulls
Another clean lineout for Leinster. McGrath pops up box kick, and the ball pops out loose before Leinster recover possession. McGrath feeds Jordie Barrett who tries a looping pass out to Tommy O’Brien but it’s ruled out as a forward pass.
Bulls scrum coming up.
TRY! Leinster 14-0 Bulls (Jordie Barrett ’13)
14 mins: Leinster 14-0 Bulls
What a start!
And what a try from Barrett. It came from a McGrath dink over the top which Barrett met with his boot to put himself clean through. He had Tommy O’Brien for company as the Bulls defence was carved open.
Barrett slid through for the final touch. Superb stuff from Leinster.
17 mins: Leinster 14-0 Bulls
Barrett went in under the posts to give Prendergast the easy tap-over for his second conversion.
17 mins: Leinster 14-0 Bulls
Leinster have another lineout which sticks perfectly. They don’t get far with the maul but they still have possession.
Prendergast tries a clever kick over the top but the Bulls win it back but a moment of absolute madness sees Willie le Roux kick the ball straight into James Lowe’s hands. Only for he dropped it on the ground, Leinster could have been in for try number three there.
21 mins: Leinster 14-0 Bulls
Bulls win a penalty from a scrum and find touch. They win their lineout and send in a box kick which bounces backwards off Lowe.
The clearance comes down to Le Roux who in turn sends it back to Prendergast. Lowe then tries a kick and the return kick lands into the arms of Jimmy O’Brien.
21 mins: Leinster 14-0 Bulls
Brilliant break from Leinster. Fast hands and fast passes sees the ball pop from Tommy O’Brien to Sheehan who sprints down the wing.
Now Leinster have a lineout on the five-metre line.
TRY! Leinster 19-0 Bulls (Josh van der Flier ’22)
24 mins: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
This is already looking ugly for the Bulls.
Again, Leinster score from the set-piece, but this time, it’s Josh van der Flier who breaks through off the back of the maul. Prendergast misses the conversion but Leinster are looking utterly dominant so far.
29 mins: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
Lowe tries to take the ball in the air from a Bulls box-kick but the ball slips out of his hand.
Things get worse for the Bulls as their lineout throw from Johan Grobbelaar is not straight and Leinster will put in for the scrum.
29 mins: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
Prendergast hangs a kick in the air for Lowe to chase but it doesn’t come off. The ball comes back to Prendergast again and some kicking back and forth follows.
Le Roux puts Jimmy O’Brien under a bit of pressure and he’s forced to kick it out on the full. The Bulls will try to build again here.
32 mins: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
Leinster are back on their own try-line. Bulls are knocking at the door and now they have a penalty.
33 mins: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
Great defensive work from Leinster but the Bulls still have the ball and will put in for a scrum. This is their first real attack of the game so they need something here.
35 mins: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
Leinster have pushed them back but they’re still around the ’22. Bulls continue to roll out the passes as Van der Flier tries to turn the ball over.
36 mins: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
Le Roux tries to create something from a crossfield kick but Prendergast is well positioned and takes the mark. Leinster appear to have weathered that storm.
Meanwhile, Bulls are forced to make a change. Cobus Wiese goes off for a HIA and is replaced by Jannes Kirsten.
39 mins: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
Bulls win their own lineout, and a penalty follows for the South African side which Johan Goosen kicks to the corner. Can they sneak a score before the break?
39 mins: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
Brilliant pressure from Leinster to push them back. Joe McCarthy was particularly effective there. But Leinster aren’t out of danger yet. Bulls still have the ball and are still clocking up the phases.
40 mins: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
After 15 phases, the Bulls are caught for a forward pass from Le Roux.
Half-Time! Leinster 19-0 Bulls
Leinster 19-0 Bulls
Commanding first-half performance from Leinster. Three brilliantly taken tries puts them in the driving seat, with Jack Conan, Jordie Barrett and Josh van der Flier all providing the scores. Prendergast has kicked two of those three conversions successfully and their all-round play is simply superior to the Bulls.
Leo Cullen’s men had to withstand two big attacks there in the closing minutes and held firm to keep the opposition scoreless at the break.
Second-Half: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
First-Half Tries:
41 mins: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
Good take from Lowe and the teams engage in some more kicking over and back. Bulls try to build and Barrett puts in a brilliant tackle on Goosen to take the steam out of it.
Leinster change: James Ryan is off for RG Snyman. Ryan looked a bit laboured there so it’s most likely for an injury.
44 mins: Leinster 19-0 Bulls
The referee is unhappy with the scrum set-up again and calls the players in to give them a talk. The reset is sloppy but the ball is released and Leinster burst forward. They win a free and Prendergast puts the ball on the tee. He’s going for the posts.
44 mins: Leinster 22-0 Bulls
His kick is straight and true, and Leinster extend their advantage.
Bulls change: Akker van der Merwe is on for Grobbelaar at hooker.
45 mins: Leinster 22-0 Bulls
Jimmy O’Brien claims the ball well in the air. McCarthy then releases Barrett before Prendergast links up with Van der Flier. Nice footwork from Prendergast who pops the ball to Barrett but his kick over the top doesn’t go as he planned.
Meanwhile, Tommy O’Brien looks to be in some distress as he receives treatment for what looks like a hand or possibly arm injury.
47 mins: Leinster 22-0 Bulls
O’Brien is back up and Bulls have a scrum.
48 mins: Leinster 22-0 Bulls
Andrew Porter is penalised and Bulls have a penalty. Understandably, they go for the corner.
49 mins: Leinster 22-0 Bulls
No way through as Leinster push them back. But the referee is coming back for another penalty so they will have another go from the corner.
TRY! Leinster 22-7 Bulls (Akker van der Merwe ’50)
52 mins: Leinster 22-7 Bulls
The Bulls have arrived.
They have knocking on the door for a long time, and they’ve finally broken through. Another clean lineout and it’s replacement hooker Akker van der Merwe who throws himself over the line to get the Bulls move.
Goosen’s conversion is good and now we have a game on again.
54 mins: Leinster 22-7 Bulls
Bulls win a penalty and the momentum appears to have shifted.
55 mins: Leinster 22-7 Bulls
Leinster force a knock-on thanks to some brilliant work from Thomas Clarkson. That gives them a chance to kill that Bulls’ purple patch.
Leinster changes: Sheehan and Clarkson replaced by Ronán Kelleher and Rabah Slimani.
57 mins: Leinster 22-7 Bulls
Snyman with a super step to create a Leinster attack. Lowe tried a grubber kick for Van der Flier to go after but there’s too much sauce on it as he is thrown out over the line while kicking the ball.
58 mins: Leinster 22-7 Bulls
Leinster win a Bulls scrum!
Porter and co let out a guttural roar as Leinster turn the ball over and now they have a lineout. Can they turn the screw again?
59 mins: Leinster 22-7 Bulls
They’re right at the cushion of the post! Try number four is inches away.
59 mins: Leinster 22-7 Bulls
Snyman drops the ball just as he was about to lunch over. But the referee calls play back for a Leinster penalty. Kelleher to tap and go here.
60 mins: Leinster 22-7 Bulls
Kelleher retreats and lets Van der Flier take and they fail to make anything of it as Bulls win the ball back.
62 mins: Leinster 22-7 Bulls
Great commitment from Jimmy O’Brien. He slid across to gather a loose ball and reclaim possession for Leinster. They work a few pop passes but they commit another knock-on. Referee brings play back for another Leinster penalty and Prendergast wants to go for the posts again.
63 mins: Leinster 22-7 Bulls
MISS!
Prendergast pulls his kick wide and that’s one Leinster definitely needed just to push their noses out a bit more. That was well within his range, albeit from a slightly difficult angle for a right-footed kicker.
66 mins: Leinster 22-7 Bulls
Great catch from Tommy O’Brien!
He did well to claim that off balance as play stops for Sebastian de Klerk who has suffered a knee injury and it looks like he will be replaced by Devon Williams.
It’s these little moments that will keep Leinster on course and finish out the final quarter.
68 mins: Leinster 25-7 Bulls
LEINSTER PENALTY!
Prendergast makes no mistake this for a kick in front of the posts after Bulls were penalised for a no arms tackle.
Leinster changes: McGrath and Prendergast are off for Fintan Gunne and Ross Byrne.
71 mins: Leinster 25-7 Bulls
It’s just not Bulls’ day.
Le Roux knocks the ball on from a simple pass, and he drills the ball away in frustration. It hasn’t been a great day for him. Some unforced errors that just sum up their performance.
TRY! Leinster 32-7 Bulls (Fintan Gunne ’73)
75 mins: Leinster 32-7 Bulls
What a moment for Fintan Gunne!
After only being named on the bench today, he did brilliantly to carry the ball at speed and crawl his way over after shipping a tackle on the line. Ross Byrne adds the extras and this is now firmly a procession to the finish line.
Fintan Gunne’s try!
79 mins: Leinster 32-7 Bulls
Ryan Baird named Man of the Match while the attendance for today’s game in Croke Park has been confirmed at 46,127.
Full-Time! Leinster 32-7 Bulls
Leinster 32-7 Bulls
Done and dusted. And with 25 points to spare.
Bulls had their purple patch in the second half and there was a sniff of a comeback in the air, but Leinster’s three first-half tries set the ground work in place for that convincing victory.
Jack Conan got them off the mark. Jordie Barrett added their second after a gorgeous piece of play to create the try for himself and Josh van der Flier put Leinster in a commanding position with another set-piece effort.
But what about Fintan Gunne? Added to the bench today after the injury to Jamison Gibson-Park and made a superb introduction with that blistering run to put himself through for Leinster’s fourth and final try of the day.
Leinster 32-7 Bulls
Well, that’s all from us, folks. Thanks very much for being with us for today’s coverage. And since you’re here, have a read of Murray Kinsella’s match report live from Croke Park here.
We hope to have you with us again soon. For now, goodbye!
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Bulls Leinster Leinster Minute-by-Minute Rugby URC